In Florence, the Guelphs had for a long time been so triumphant as to keep the Ghibellines in a state of banishment.

It is uncertain whether he took part in the first crusade of St Louis, in 1248-1251, at which Charles was present: but he followed Charles on his Italian expedition against Manfred in 1265, and seems to have been captured by the Ghibellines before reaching Naples.